We Are Beit Echad

. . . One House

Reform and Conservative Judaism in One House, retaining a century of tradition, embracing the future, and fostering community and spiritual growth for all.

Shabbat, Holidays, & Community

Christmas & Hanukkah

Tis The Season of Miracles ... and Confusion

Differences Between Christmas And Hanukkah

(webmaster note: slight editorial changes were made to update this 2024 article for 2025)

No Dreidels Or Christmas Trees Were Hurt In The Creation Of This Article

by Jeff Dunetz שמואל בן נח | Dec 23, 2024 |

People say America is a “melting pot,” but it’s really supposed to be a gumbo..all in the same broth, but keeping our own shapes. All too often, people lump the two together in the politically correct expression “happy holidays.” But the two holidays are very different.

[edited out because it's specific to 2024]

One sad thing about each faith’s end-of-the-year holiday is that most Jews do not understand Christmas, and most Christians don’t get Hanukkah. But they should understand the differences.

The major difference is that Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus. Each faith believes Jesus was a nice Jewish boy who entered his father’s business. The real disagreement is about his father’s occupation.

As we are about to celebrate Chanukah and Christmas, it’s time for me to explain their other differences to my fellow members of the Jewish nation and to my Christian friends (with tongue firmly in cheek).

Conclusion: Chanukah and Christmas are different holidays with different meanings, but whichever one you celebrate…I wish you a joyous holiday surrounded by family and friends. May God fill the coming year with love, good health, peace, and more than a few laughs. After the past twelve months, we need it more than ever.

Worship Services -

Rabbi Rudnick concluding Yom Kippur with Havdalah

Join us for inclusive worship services that honor both Reform and Conservative Jewish traditions.

Participating in our Simchat Torah hakafot

Our first rabbi dinner with Rabbi Padorr

Upcoming worship leaders

Jan 2 - Janet E; ? Cantor

Jan 9 - Steve R, Sandy R sermon; Steve Cantor (Shabbat & a Show)

Jan 16 - Bob O; Brendan Cantor

Jan 23 - Rabbi Padorr (& dinner)

Jan 24 - Rabbi Padorr (adult study)

Jan 31- ? ?; ? Cantor

Feb 1 - Sandy S. (Mussar class)

Dec 5 - Julie M; Karen B sermon; Bob Cantor

Dec 6 - (CANCELED) Mussar class

Dec 12 - Hans P; Bob Cantor

Dec 19 - Janet E; Steve Cantor (NO Dec. Shabbat & a Show)

Dec 21 - Hannukah party

Dec 26 - Rabbi Padorr (& dinner)

Dec 27 - Rabbi Padorr (adult study)

Cultural Events & Activities

On the 2nd Friday of the month following an abbreviated Sabbath eve service, we enjoy a Jewish themed movie with light refreshments. Services start at 6 PM with the movie following at 6:30.

Mussar -

Shabbat and a Show -

On the 1st Saturday of the month we gather to delve into the Jewish practice of Mussar, how to live a meaningful and ethical life. Mussar is virtue-based ethics — based on the idea that by cultivating inner virtues, we improve ourselves. The study sessions begin at 10AM and will last about 1-1/2 hours.

Adult Study -

On Saturday mornings when Rabbi Padorr visits, an adult study and discussion session is held. Our current focus is on Jewish perspectives on the soul and afterlife, using the book Does the Soul Survive? as our guide. Study sessions begin at 10AM and last about 1-1/2 hours.

Sisterhood -

Our active Beit Echad Sisterhood meets regularly on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Including hosting meals and assisting with organization of religious holidays, they offer a variety of social activities, community engagement, and charitable giving. Meetings start at 11AM.

Child Education -

Following adult study on Saturday mornings when Rabbi Padorr visits, she spends time with the children. Through music, singing, and games, age-appropriate learning is offered. Child education sessions start about 11:30 and typically last about half an hour.

Timely Events -

As world events, history, and the calendar may dictate, special events are organized to keep us engaged and united with Jewish communities of our nation and world. Remembrance events such as those for The Holocaust and Israel Oct. 7 Massacre are examples.

Community Unity

Explore the beautiful moments of our congregation's vibrant journey.